App Friday: Previewing Content With Our Kids

Greetings App Friday Fans! Sometimes I like to talk a lot, and this week is one of those times. Here are two recent experiences that highlight the sensitivities of a child’s online environment:

The other day I was taking a morning walk with a neighbor and we were discussing the latest with our kids. She mentioned that her 9 year old used to read, write, and draw a lot in her room. Then they bought an iPad, and a friend introduced a pony game that the girl started playing on a regular basis. Now, the child is spending less time reading, writing and drawing, and more time viewing video game advertisements so she can win points for her Pony.

The very next day, I was visiting with another friend whose child (under 10 years old) is an avid reader who consumes much of her content with a Kindle. When the parents viewed their Amazon statement, they found out that Fifty Shades of Gray had been downloaded to the device, based on an ad that popped up. Uncomfortable conversations followed.

Both sets of parents learned a lot from the experience. In the first case, there are now limits with the iPad, and more check-ins about the content being consumed. In the second case, more vigilance about how content is purchased. I decided to share this as a reminder to stay alert, aware, and engaged with what our children are doing online.

As for App Friday – we have a great community here, and I’m confident this introduction is like preaching to the choir. But the more we can learn from each other, the better. Here are the educational apps featured this week (the grid includes some utilities and productivity apps as well)…

Once you are viewing the apps, click on the icons to read the app store description. I urge you to understand the features in the app before making it available in the home or classroom. If there is an “IAP” designation on the orange ribbon, it means “In App Purchase”. Most deals revert back to regular pricing by 8pm US Pacific Time on Friday, unless extended by the developer.

Connect With The Developers on Facebook

If you want to connect LIVE with our global audience of app enthusiasts, join us at 10:00 am San Francisco and Paris time on Friday September 14th on the App Friday Facebook Page. Our hosts this week will be Melissa of Melissa Northway and Sebastian of Jump App. Come out and say hello, they’d enjoy seeing new personalities on our FB Page!

October App Friday Dates Are OPEN!

ReviewForDev’s New Giveaway Tool

Jeoud, the nickname for the developer of Tapikeo, keeps inventing tools for developers. This latest one is a promo code giveaway program, and I’d like to try it out today. If you Click This Link, you’ll see a page that has a timer counting down. When the timer runs out, a button will pop up to redeem codes (they will be five codes for the iPhone version of his app, Tapikeo). I’ve timed it to release at 10:30am San Francisco Time, let me know how it goes!

Link Exchange

Got news? List it here. Developers who would like to participate in App Friday on an impromptu basis are encouraged to list their apps in the Link Exchange below. Blog visitors will notice the list can grow up to 100 apps throughout the day. Scan it for relevant titles or compelling deals. To participate, please include the app name in the Link Title, your email, and a URL.